Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
The average office worker spends over 80,000 hours sitting throughout their career. This sedentary lifestyle is one of the habits that often leads to back pain, a common complaint affecting people of all ages. Chiropractic care for lower back strain offers a non-invasive approach to managing the condition and potentially supporting spinal health.
COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN
INJURY
Chiropractors for sports injuries frequently encounter patients with lower back pain resulting from various incidents. Whether it’s a strained muscle from lifting weights or a sudden twist on the football pitch, these injuries can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility.
SITTING TOO LONG
Prolonged sitting places stress on the spine, leading to muscle tightness and imbalances. This can manifest as back pain, especially in the lower back region.
STANDING TOO LONG
While standing may seem like a healthier alternative to sitting, it can also contribute to back pain if done for extended periods. The continuous pressure on the spine and legs can strain muscles and ligaments, resulting in discomfort.
POOR POSTURE
Maintaining proper posture is essential for spinal health. Slouching or hunching over can put undue stress on the back, leading to pain and potential long-term issues.
INACTIVITY
A sedentary lifestyle weakens the core muscles that support the spine, making it more susceptible to injury and pain.
WRONG SLEEPING POSITION
Sleeping in an awkward position can strain the back and neck, causing pain upon waking.
PREGNANCY
Prenatal chiropractors may help expectant mothers manage back pain caused by the body’s changes during pregnancy.
SYMPTOMS OF LOWER BACK PAIN
Lower back pain can manifest in various ways, with differences in frequency and intensity for each individual. Some common symptoms include:
- Persistent lower back pain, unrelieved by rest
- Pain that worsens when bending in any direction
- Intense, localised pain in one spot on the back
- Gradually increasing pain over time
- Nerve pain, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
- Leg weakness, difficulty walking, or unsteadiness
- Bladder or bowel problems associated with back pain
- General symptoms like loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, fever, and chills
- History of cancer
THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING BACK PAIN
PHYSICAL DECONDITIONING
Seeking out a chiropractor for a sore back and addressing back pain promptly is crucial to minimise physical deconditioning. This refers to the loss of physical fitness and strength due to inactivity caused by back pain. This may eventually lead to a downward spiral of reduced mobility and further pain. However, regular exercise and physical therapy may help address this issue.
FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT
Back pain can significantly limit your ability to perform daily activities, impacting your work, hobbies, and overall quality of life. Chiropractic care for this condition, along with lifestyle modifications, can help restore your functionality.
MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS
Untreated back pain may lead to more severe medical conditions such as chronic pain, nerve damage, or even disability. It may also affect mental health, leading to depression and anxiety.
DEVELOPMENT OR EXACERBATION OF COMORBIDITIES
Chronic back pain can contribute to or worsen other health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Managing back pain through chiropractic care for this condition, exercise, and stress management techniques can positively impact these comorbidities.
CHIROPRACTIC METHODS FOR LOWER BACK PAIN
Chiropractors employ various techniques for managing sore backs, tailoring care methods to individual needs and goals. These may include:
MANUAL ADJUSTMENT (SPINAL MANIPULATION)
This type of manual manipulation refers to a high-velocity, short lever arm thrust that is applied to abnormal vertebra with the goal of improving functionality, reducing nerve irritability and restoring range of motion in the back. It is also commonly known as “chiropractic adjustments,” and there is firm literature supporting chiropractic care for lower back pain. Many of the published guidelines recommend that chiropractic manipulation be included in the management plan early to care for lower back pain.
During the session, the chiropractor will examine the spine as a whole, even if the patient specifies that the pain in the neck resulted from an external trauma. Through this, the chiropractor aims to spot any areas of restricted joint motion, intervertebral disc injury, muscle spasm, and ligament injury by feeling for tenderness, tightness, and how well your spinal joints move. The chiropractor will also examine your walk to identify any spinal misalignment.
MOBILISATION
Chiropractic mobilisation refers to low-velocity manipulation, movement and stretching of the muscles and joints, with the goal of increasing the range of motion within those areas.
ACTIVATOR TECHNIQUE
Originating in the 1960s, this technique utilises a handheld instrument called an activator to deliver gentle impulses to the spine. This chiropractic care method for addressing sore backs focuses on restoring proper alignment and movement in specific areas, particularly those identified as misaligned through leg length analysis.
FLEXION-DISTRACTION TECHNIQUE
This chiropractic technique uses a specialised table to gently stretch and decompress the spine. It is believed to be particularly beneficial for disc-related issues, such as herniated discs, and may help provide some level of relief from lower back pain and potentially improve mobility.
GONSTEAD TECHNIQUE
Named after its founder, Dr. Clarence Gonstead, this technique involves a thorough analysis of the spine to identify areas of misalignment. This analysis includes observation of posture, palpation of the spine, and X-rays. Specific adjustments are then applied with the goal of addressing pain and improper function.
SACRO-OCCIPITAL TECHNIQUE (SOT)
SOT focuses on the relationship between the sacrum (base of the spine) and the occiput (base of the skull). It utilises specific blocks and wedges to facilitate changes in the body. The goal of this chiropractic technique for addressing lower back strain is to normalise cerebrospinal fluid flow and improve overall nervous system function.
WHY CHOOSE TRUE CHIRO FOR YOUR LOWER BACK PAIN RELIEF
Our chiropractors strive to help you achieve optimal health naturally through patient education and professional chiropractic care. Our goal is to ensure your long-term well-being and help you make an informed decision on suitable care options for your back pain. We work with you to manage your symptoms through a drug-free, non-invasive, and natural approach so that you can improve your quality of life and get back to performing your daily activities optimally. Our chiropractors in Singapore are also capable of providing chiropractic care for neck pain, postural assessments, and other neuromuscular chiropractic care.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
If you’re searching for professional chiropractic care for lower back pain in Singapore, our chiropractors are ready to accommodate you. Book an appointment with us today to get started.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you experience persistent or recurring lower back pain, it’s advisable to consult a chiropractor. They can assess your condition, determine the underlying cause, and recommend a personalised treatment plan for your specific needs.
The effectiveness of chiropractic care for back pain depends on various factors, including the individual, their specific condition, the chosen care plan, and the experience of the chiropractor. Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments may be beneficial for certain types of back pain, particularly those related to mechanical issues in the spine.
Both massage and chiropractic care may be effective for managing back pain, but they address different aspects of the issue. Massage focuses on relaxing muscles and improving blood flow, while chiropractic care aims to restore spinal alignment and function. The best approach for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences and type of back pain.
The duration of chiropractic care for back pain varies depending on the severity of the condition, the individual’s response to treatment, and other factors. Some individuals may experience relief after a few sessions, while others may require ongoing care. Your chiropractor can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.